Marked by a meticulous approach

FOR AN up-and-coming director, it is an enjoyable experience to watch him. For a newcomer, it is a treat to see the man work. For a fan of his it is a moving one. The man is K. Balachander who is meticulously shaping his 100th film, ``Paarthalae Paravasam''. KB as he is affectionately called in the film industry was sitting before a monitor in Prasad Studios. For about 90 films he did not use the monitor at all and judged a shot only by the artistes' and the cameraman's nod.

After the rehearsal he tells the actor that his dance movements should be changed and tells the cameraman that he must capture the movement from a different angle. His associate Selva, and the dance master next take instructions from the director.

Normally the talkie portion is shot by the director and the dance and stunt portions are shot by the dance and stunt masters. But here is a man who does the entire job from the first to the last frame. Inspite of his age he is more energetic than any young man. When asked about the story, Balachander says that it is about a man-woman relationship.``This is not a story of teenagers, but about a mature man and a woman. How they behave, what they need to do and all other aspects of their lives are dealt with in detail in the film''.

When the story was told to Madhavan, the hero of the film, he said that it was a challenging role for him. ``There is no melodrama anywhere. I felt that I must do the film not only to work with the great director but also for the story.'' Simran was awe-struck when she heard the story. ``I have not done this kind of character in any of my earlier films. It is a demanding role and I love doing it.''

Lyricist Valee has a very important role in the film. It was KB who introduced him in his film, ``Poikkal Kudhirai'', and later used him in his small screen production ``Kaiyalavu Manasu''. ``Thespian Sivaji Ganesan saw my performance on TV and when we met he praised my acting. I cannot forget his generous praise. All this happened because of KB. Once again he has given me an important role in his 100th film and I have done it to the best of my ability'', says Valee. KB has introduced dance master Lawrence as a second hero. KB feels that the film will have the KB stamp and will satisfy the audience. The screenplay will have universal appeal.``After `Duet' A. R. Rahman and I are working together again.

He has given some wonderful tunes and all the songs will be a hit. Likewise Selva, who has done some films as director, is working with me and helps in co-ordinating with all the departments.'' Producer Pushpa Kandasamy says that when they knew it is going to be Balachander's 100th film she decided that she has to spend lavishly to suit his taste. ``I know that I have a winning film in hand''.

Madhavan, Simran, Sneha, Lawrence, Vivek, Manivannan, Maali and Valee are the leading players. Music is scored by A. R. Rahman, lyrics are written by Valee and Vairamuthu. Camera is handled by Venkatesh.

The film is produced by Pushpa Kandasamy and the story, screenplay, dialogue and direction are by K. Balachander.

- SRA

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